Ramadan: A Muslim Time of Fasting, Prayer, and Celebration (Finding Out About Holidays)
Finding out about holidays Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Ramadan: A Muslim Time of Fasting, Prayer, and Celebration by Carol Gnojewski is an informative book that explores the significance and practices of Ramadan, a holy month observed by Muslims worldwide. The book delves into the origins of Ramadan, its place within the Islamic lunar calendar, and its importance as a period of fasting, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. It explains the daily fast from dawn until sunset, the nightly prayers called Tarawih, and the communal aspects of breaking the fast with family and friends. The book also discusses the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of feasting and joyous celebration. Through this book, readers gain insight into the cultural and religious aspects of Ramadan, as well as its role in fostering a sense of community and charity among Muslims.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about the significance of Ramadan for Muslim people?
How do the practices of fasting, prayer, and celebration during Ramadan help in bringing a community together?
Can you think of a time when you had to be patient and wait for something important, just like people wait for the sunset to break their fast?
What are some new traditions you discovered in the book that you find interesting or different from our own traditions?
How do you think celebrating Ramadan might make someone feel closer to their family and friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes to create an open, communicative environment. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts freely without fear of judgement. Connect themes from the book to your child’s everyday experiences to make the discussion more relatable. Praise your child’s responses to validate their viewpoints and foster confidence. Consider revisiting the book after your discussion to reinforce the themes and see if new insights arise.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and respect for cultural diversity
Explanation: The book educates children about the customs, significance, and practices of Ramadan, a key Islamic holiday.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultural practices they encounter in school and their community.
Example Lesson: The value of self-discipline and self-control
Explanation: Ramadan involves fasting from dawn to dusk, which teaches about self-restraint and self-discipline.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of self-control in other areas of their lives, such as studying and obeying rules.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion for others
Explanation: The book explains how Ramadan calls for Muslims to practice empathy by experiencing hunger and focusing on helping the needy.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to consider the feelings of others and think about ways they can help those in need around them.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and family
Explanation: Ramadan is a time when families and communities come together to break their fasts and pray, emphasizing the strength of communal bonds.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and contribute to their own family and community gatherings and traditions.
Example Lesson: Reflecting on personal growth
Explanation: The book details that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about self-reflection and improvement.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to set personal goals and reflect on how they can be better individuals in their daily activities.